S.T.E.M. Article Review Pochran, S. (2011, Sept.

S.T.E.M. Article Review

Pochran, S. (2011, Sept. 21). What's on your genes? Tiny genetic switches create big differences. Science News Magazine. Retrieved from https://student.societyforscience.org/article/what%E2%80%99s-your-genes.

This article shows that scientific advances have allowed researchers to significantly modify the physical appearance of offspring through intervention and modification of the genes of the parents. Instead of what is "in" your genes, Pochran (2011) studies modifications which are "on" the genes. She makes this distinction by describing a research study wherein two mice were created; they were genetically identical. They were twins on a genetic level. However, they were physically different in an extreme way. One mouse was small and brown and the other was large, overweight, and orange in color. This experiment, conducted at Duke University by Randy Jirtle and his colleagues showed how methyl groups attach to DNA and can effectively turn off genetic markers which are in the chromosomes. So, even though the two animals can be genetically identical, one might have its dominant genes turned off by methyl groups and thus the creature exhibits the recessive genes without having recessive genes inherited from both parents. Furthermore, researchers in Sydney, Australia found in 2010 that certain diets in the parent could pass on methyl groups to their offspring, creating children that look nothing like their parents. Other factors which can create methyl groups include smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as drug use. Even chemicals which the offspring encounters after their birth can create methyl groups.

Application:

According to the California standards, students in middle school will begin to lean about genetics in their science classes. The basics of genetics will be covered in most text books. In addition, students learn in health classes that drinking, alcohol, and drugs can harm offspring while in utero. However, they will usually not have these two concepts linked. This article shows how genetics can be altered by other things as well and how just because offspring does not look similar to the parent or parents, that does not exclude the individual from having provided the genetic material.

Standard: Grade 7: Science: Genetics

2. A typical cell of any organism contains genetic instructions that specify its traits. Those traits may be modified by environmental influences. As a basis for understanding this concept:

a. Students know the differences between the life cycles and reproduction methods of sexual and asexual organisms.